Attendee Code of Conduct

For reference, KNCA and “we” refers to KuroNeko Cultural Association, KNC refers to KuroNekoCon, and the Facility refers to any venue where events are held, such as The Spokane Convention Center. Attendees refers to individuals who attend KNCA events.

1. General

KNC is a all-ages event and we desire to foster a positive and encouraging environment where all attendees can enjoy a safe, fun, and memorable event. KNCA welcomes diversity of races, genders, ages, sexual preferences, and personal beliefs. In pursuit of this KNCA will attempt to limit or prohibit behavior which makes Attendees feel unsafe or unwelcome or that which it deems inappropriate for persons under the age of 18. Individuals whose actions violate KNCA's policies may face disciplinary strikes against their attendance or expulsion from the event. Violations of law will be referred to law enforcement.

Attendees are required to follow all policies set forth by KNCA in this document and others as they may be established. Additionally, Attendees must observe all policies of the Facility.

At the discretion of KNCA, the following activities are not allowed at KNCA events:

Loitering

Disruptive or unsafe behavior

Excessive swearing or inappropriate language

Physical or verbal harassment

Acts that may result in substantial risk or harm to people or property

2. Identification and Badges

A valid form of government issued photo identification is required for all registration purchases and pre-registration badge pickup. Identification may also be required for admittance to 18+ events regardless of your type of badge. It is highly recommended that Attendees keep a valid form of identification on themselves at all times.

All adults 18 and over are required to wear an adult badge. Minors under 18 are required to wear a minor badge.

Badges must be worn above the waist and remain visible at all times during KNC. Individuals not showing a badge will be asked to remove themselves from the Facility. If a badge is found it must be reported to lost and found immediately. A fee will be charged for replacement of a lost badge.

Some KNCA events may have other restrictions for admission beyond your badge. Refer to the programming guide for details on individual events. Restrictions may include being 18 years or older, 21 years or older, and obtaining tickets or hand stamps. This is not a comprehensive list and is subject to change.

3. Minors

Minors must have the physical presence of a paid attending adult while at KNC and must be accompanied by their attending adult when picking up their badges. Attending adults must be at least 18 years of age.

4. Suspicious Activity

Have you seen something that caught your attention and had your villainous radar click into first gear? Did you or a friend feel scared or worried by suspicious activity at the Convention? Be a hero and don't turn a blind eye, we have incident report forms just for this reason! Help us spot possible problems so that KNC can ensure you have a safe and fun convention.

If you witness suspicious behavior tell a Staff member immediately. Incident report forms can also be found at the Information Booth.

5. Criminal Acts

KNCA condemns all criminal acts including but not limited to harassment and assault, and asks that attendees report criminal acts to law enforcement. KNCA does not publicly comment on specific instances of criminal acts. The views and opinions expressed by KNCA staff do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of KNCA.

Harassment is any behavior that intentionally annoys, threatens, or alarms another person. This includes any unwanted physical contact, following someone without a legitimate reason, or threatening to physically harm someone. If someone seeks your attention and you tell them to leave you alone, their business with you is finished. If they do not leave you alone as you have requested their actions may be considered harassment.

A person who assaults or harasses another person is guilty of a crime under Washington State law. If a crime occurs call 911 immediately, seek safety, and then report the matter to a KNCA staff member. KNCA staff will attempt to assist attendees in contacting local security or law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist attendees to feel safe for the duration of the event.

Offenders may face immediate issuance of a third Strike to their membership. Strike Three (3) will result in immediate badge revocation without refund, removal from the Facility, and a ban from KNCA events.

6. Animals

Animals are not be permitted within the Facility unless they are registered service animals.

7. Autographs

Guests generally make themselves available for autograph sessions that follow a schedule. Please respect the schedule and their time and follow all directions given by KNC staff.

8. Costumes and Attire

KNCA reserves the right to decide whether costumes are acceptable and appropriate and may ask the wearer to make modifications as necessary. At minimum, attire must be equivalent to that of a bikini swimsuit. Shoes are required at all times in the Facility as required by public health and safety laws.

9. Weapons and Props

No real or functioning weapons, projectiles, uncovered cutting blades, or anything used or brandished as a weapon is allowed at KNC. Prop weapons must be approved and marked as such by KNC staff at the Peace Bonding booth. For further details please see the
Peace Bonding Policy .

10. Sales and Solicitation

Sales and solicitation inside the Convention Facility is restricted to the Exhibitors, Artists, and Industry groups who have purchased booth space with the convention. Sales and solicitation outside of the Convention Facility requires a “street vendor license” to be obtained from the City of Spokane. Whether verbal, written, or through the use of signage, all solicitation at KNC for monetary payment or exchange of services that does not comply with these restrictions is prohibited.

11. Distribution of Literature

KNCA does not allow distribution of literature including fliers, books, pamphlets, postcards, or other written media without express permission of the Board of Directors. Generally, groups looking to distribute materials at KuroNekoCon must either (A) sign up and be approved for an Industry Booth prior to the convention, in which case materials may be distributed from the booth or (B) contact info@kuronekocon.com prior to the convention with a request to include materials along with our booklet. Sharing of business cards and information among private parties is allowed, but this permission may be revoked at the discretion of KNCA.

12. Consent to Photography and Video Recording

Attendance at KNC constitutes consent to photography and video recordings by KNC staff. Consent grants irrevocable and unrestricted right to KNCA to use and publish photographs for editorial, trade, advertising, and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; and to alter and composite the same without restriction and without Attendee inspection, approval, or compensation.

13. Photography and Video Recording

Photography and video recording is allowed in most public areas of the Facility as long as it does not disrupt events or impede pedestrian traffic. Please be considerate and ask first before taking pictures of guests, Attendees, staff, or the general public. Specific events, panels, or areas may restrict or prohibit photography or video recording.

14. Alcohol, Drugs, Controlled Substances

Attendees found to possess, consume, or be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances will be asked to remove themselves from the Facility and be reported to law enforcement.

15. Outside Food and Beverage

No outside food or beverage is permitted within the Facility.

16. Personal Hygiene

Please keep a minimum standard of health and personal hygiene at all times. It is recommended to shower and wear a change of clean clothing at least once per day. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap throughout the day and especially before eating and after using the restroom. This will help prevent the spread of illness and contagions.

17. Damages Caused by Attendee

Please be respectful of the Facility by cleaning up after yourself and reporting any messes or spills to Facility or KNC staff. Intentional damage to property of KNCA or the Facility will result in removal from KNC and a ban from future KNCA events. “Accidental” damage will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Attendees may be held liable to compensate the affected party for the full amount of damages.

18. Theft

Without exception, individuals found to have committed theft will be reported to law enforcement, have their Attendee badge revoked, and be refused access to all future KNCA events.

19. Liability

KNCA and its affiliates will not be held responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or injury. Attendees are responsible for their individual actions and any repercussions that may result. Civil or medical emergencies are to be handled by the proper authorities.

20. Three Strikes Policy

Infractions of policies established by KNCA will garner a record in the form of a “strike” marked against the Attendee. Attendees are allotted three infractions before they are banned from KNCA events. Explanation of each strike is as follows.

Strike One (1) will serve as a first warning. No limitations will be placed on the Attendee.

Strike Two (2) will serve as a second and final warning. Access to KNCA events may be restricted for up to 8 weeks after the issue date of the second strike.

Strike Three (3) will result in immediate revocation of your badge without refund, removal from the Facility, and a ban from KNCA events.

KNCA may issue a strike for any reason it deems necessary and may issue it several months after the initial infraction. If the offence is severe KNCA may issue an automatic third strike. Examples of an infraction warranting an automatic third strike include but are not limited to:

Refusal to sign a Notice of Attendee Infraction

Acts of violence or actions that put others in danger

Theft

At the time each strike is issued, the attendee will be asked to sign a Notice of Attendee Infraction verifying their knowledge of the strike marked against them. Signing this form is not required but refusal to sign will result in an automatic third strike and action will be taken as described above. Refusal to sign will be taken into account in the event of an appeal.

If you believe that a strike has been wrongly issued to you, an appeal must be sent within six weeks of the infraction issue date. After review of your appeal a decision by KNCA is final.

This policy may be updated without notification.

Lost and Found

The Lost and Found area will be located at the Information Booth, which will be clearly marked. If you have any trouble finding KuroNekoCon's Lost and Found or the Information Booth, a member of staff or a volunteer can point you in the right direction.

If you are attempting to reclaim a lost item:

An item description sheet will need to be filled out with your contact information so that your item can be returned to you when found or in case of any disputes over the item(s).

If the lost item is a cell phone, the owner will have to identify the phone's background and the phone number so that the phone can be called or if locked, unlock the phone.

If the phone's battery is dead, staff will offer to charge it so that it may then be identified.

Friends of the item(s) owner will not be permitted to claim the item.

To reclaim an item after an event, the owner must contact KuroNekoCon at
info@KuroNekoCon.com with a description of the item. The item will be returned to its owner as quickly as possible.

If you find an item:

KuroNekoCon requires you to bring the item(s) to the Information Booth so that it can be kept safe until the owner can pick it up.

You will be asked to fill out a found item form and give us as much detail as possible when delivering item(s) to the Lost and Found.

If you believe that your item was claimed by someone else:

KuroNekoCon Staff asks that you contact them immediately so that we can solve the dispute quickly.

Do not confront the other party. Come to staff with the problem.

You will be asked to provide evidence that the item in question is your property, and it will be reviewed. If it is found that the item is yours it will be returned to as soon as possible.

In the event that an attendee knowingly claims or takes an item that does not belong to them from the Lost and Found or anywhere within the convention it will be considered stealing and that attendee will be removed from the convention for breaking KuroNekoCon's Attendee Code of Conduct.

In the event that staff is unable to handle an issue of theft the proper authorities will be contacted.

Any unclaimed lost item turned in at a KuroNekoCon event will be kept for 90 days. After such time, the item may no longer be preserved, and will be disposed of at the discretion of the KuroNekoCon Staff.

If you need to contact KuroNekoCon Staff about an item you lost after an event has ended contact staff at
info@KuroNekoCon.com.

Peace Bonding Policy

KuroNeko Cultural Association welcomes and encourages our attendees to come in cosplay and have a great time at events. We desire to foster a positive and encouraging environment where all attendees can enjoy a safe, fun, and memorable event. To that end, we require that anyone bringing in prop items that resemble weapons or are larger than six inches in any dimension, read and adhere to this policy.

Using a prop item to annoy or bother others in a direct or intentional way.

Pointing a prop item at another person without permission.

Leaving your prop item unattended at any time.

Causing damage to personal property.

Please exercise caution and be aware of the size of your peace bonded item so as to not inadvertently come in contact with people or property. You are responsible for the interactions of your peace bonded item whether is it in your possession or not. If you let anyone else use or hold your peace bonded item you are responsible for anything that person does with your peace bonded item.

The following items are prohibited from all KNCA events:

Items that are or have ever been functional projectile weapons whether or not you have a concealed weapons permit. This includes firearms and airsoft guns even if they have been gutted or filled, functional bows even if the bow string is removed, projectile play weapons such as Nerf brand items, and water squirting items.

Paddles, for example: yaoi/yuri paddles.

Live blades, metal-bladed swords, and items with cutting edges such as knives, scissors with sharp tips, and razor blades.

Spring-loaded wrist blades regardless of material.

Anything determined to be unsafe to the public.

Unlawful items.

Exotic weapons will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Skates of any kind worn on feet.

Ice skates without blade guards.

Live ammunition.

Pepper spray.

Props that are large enough to impede foot traffic, block doorways/fire exits, or cause a significant hazard to other individuals because of excessive bulk or size.

Security

The Spokane Convention Center has implemented security measures at events like KuroNekoCon and we want to make sure you know what to expect before arriving.

KNC Staff have worked diligently along with the Convention Center to offer a positive convention experience, whether you arrive in a t-shirt, kimono, or suit of armor.

All attendees will be required to pass through metal detectors to enter the convention. To help you get through quicker, arrive earlier than you think you need to. There may be delays.

Security will be searching for prohibited and illegal items. Please see the updated Peace Bonding Policy for a detailed explanation of what is allowed and disallowed KuroNekoCon.com/policies#peacebonding.

An important change is that metal-bladed swords, whether or not they are sheathed, are no longer allowed.

Security will involve bag searches using illuminated wands, and metal detectors. If items on your person or something you are carrying triggers the metal detectors you may be asked to identify the items.

Convention Center Security Staff might ask you to remove articles of clothing or costume to identify metal on your person. If the Security Staff determine an object to be a security threat, you will be asked to leave and remove the metal object before attempting to re-enter the convention space.